I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard someone say: “You know God never puts more on you than you can handle.” When this statement is made, I’ll ask the individual: “Where did you hear or read that?” Without hesitation, they will say they heard it from a preacher or they read it in the Bible. If they tell me it’s in the Bible, then the next question I’ll ask is: “Where?” You see this is a statement we often use to comfort hurting people will love. However, I’m not sure we’re real accurate with our assessment of the situation.

This statement that God never puts more on us than we can handle is often confused with the passage of scripture found in I Corinthians 10:13. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Do you see the difference? Because it’s huge my friend.

If God didn’t allow things to come into our lives which we couldn’t handle, why would we need Him? You see, our strength is small and limited. However, there is a supernatural power, a divine power which is available to the children of God. Paul said it best when he said: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬) The things I can’t handle, God can.

What we are promised is not a life free fro heartache and pain, but rather a life that will never be separated from His presence. Because of that, His strength, love and presence will guide me through the things I can’t handle. As his child, I can live with that. Hopefully you can too. Godspeed my friends.

‭‭

July 30

Several years ago, while working on my doctorate degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, I often had a friend and fellow student travel back and forth with me. He didn’t live far from me, so he’d drive to my house, park his car and ride with me. He would often want to put gas in my car, but due to reason that I was going anyway, I declined. I told him this was the one thing I could do for him.

One particular trip we made to New Orleans, my car became covered in love bugs. I had never seen a car so saturated in bugs before or since. We got checked into our hotel rooms for the night and I was thinking: “How am I going to get those bugs off my car.” I’m telling you, it was a mess.

The next morning we went to my car to drive to campus and I almost went into shock. My car looked like it had been professionally detailed. Not a bug to be found. My friend has gotten up early and cleaned my car. When I asked him why he did it, he simply replied: “It’s the one thing I can do for you.” It kind of reminded me of when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples on the night he was betrayed. Maybe in this day and age we need more people seeking the towel and the basin. We truly find our lives by losing them. What is the one thing you can do for another? When you serve, you demonstrate the love and the life of Christ. My friend did and I’ve never forgotten it. Godspeed my friends.

July 29

Have you ever thought how one word can change an entire sentence? The whole tone and tenor can be altered just by exchange of one word to another. Let me give you an example. We often use the word “have” when we should use the word “get”. The first word, “have” can put a negative spin on an expression of thought. “I have to mow the yard today.” “I have to spend time with my family.” It sounds like root canal work. Just a simple change makes everything sound more positive. “I get to mow the yard today.” “I get to spend time with my family.” Do you see the difference? It’s huge.

Today you get an opportunity to go and worship the King of Kings. I get to stand up and preach the word of God. We get an opportunity to fellowship with our church family and the people of God. We get a chance to see how the Spirit of the Lord will move in someone’s life. Remember, God has given you this day. Whatever you do, or get to do, do it unto the Lord. Godspeed my friends.

July 28

We’re in Oxford this weekend for a wedding. Of course I brought my running stuff to get in a few miles this morning. However, for whatever reason, I slept a little late. Usually I take my morning run around 6 am. Bed Springs Baptist had a hold of me until 8:30. When I finally got up I thought: “It’s too late and too hot to run.” You see, if you really don’t want to do something, you can find adequate excuses. I was unfamiliar with the surroundings. The breakfast in the restaurant looked real good. I couldn’t think of but one reason to actually run. It was the right thing to do.

There are a lot of reasons not to mend a relationship. There are a lot of reasons not to return incorrect change given to you. There are a lot of reasons not to go to church. There are a lot of reasons not to give up a bad habit. There are a lot of reasons to give an eye for an eye. But sometimes you have to remember the only reason that’s important. It’s just the right thing to do. Godspeed my friends.

July 27

I can’t tell you how many mistakes I’ve made in my life. Some have come because of bad decisions while others were just careless moments. However, I’ve learned the best way to move on it to take ownership of your actions. Just admit the mistake and try not to justify or blame others. You’ll find it’s a lot easier to receive forgiveness and you’ll become stronger in the process.

How many times have you dealt with individuals in the business world and they’ve made a mistake. They’ll either make one excuse after the other, or they’ll take responsibility. When someone takes responsibility and simply says: “I fumbled the ball on this one.” It’s hard to get upset with this person. The one that blames everyone else is the one I struggle with in business transactions.

Scripture reminds us: “If we confess our sins he if faithful and just to forgive us.” Yep, take ownership and seek forgiveness. You’ll be better off in the long run. Godspeed my friends.

july 25

Each Tuesday, when possible, my minister of students, David Honeycutt and I go to lunch. It gives us a time to just talk about life and get caught up on church business between the two of us. We’re so blessed to have an outstanding man leading our young people and I hope our church family understands this.

Yesterday, as we were waiting on our food, I noticed two ladies in a booth who had just received their food. Both of them had their heads bowed and I thought to myself: “This is refreshing, two individuals praying before they eat.” However, they stayed in this position for a long period of time. Then I thought: “Man, they’re serious about their prayer time.” Upon a closer observation, I noticed both of them were on their phones. Now to be fair, they could have been texting their prayers to the Lord. But I seriously doubt it. But I don’t want to be judgmental.

Cellphones are wonderful, but they have killed our ability to verbally communicate with each other. We’ve even taken it a step further and communicate through emojis